Star Who Agreed Arsenal Deal Could Now Move To Manchester United Instead

We are getting closer to the January transfer window and news is beginning to fly in from everywhere. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have been mentioned in very interesting transfer speculation in recent weeks. Today, Manchester United are in the news again. This time they are been linked with the signing of Saul Niguez who currently plies his trade in the Spanish La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

If you believe the Sun, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Spaniard, who himself is reportedly open to leaving Atletico Madrid for United. The 22-year-old was linked with a move to Arsenal only two years ago. The report then was that the Gunners had agreed a deal to sign the midfielder who had already “packed his bags” and was heading for the Emirates, before Atletico Madrid pulled a plug on the deal after his team mate, Tiago, was injured in training.

Manchester United could now be signing the player in a deal said to be worth as much as £134 million. And if true, the signing would make a lot of sense for the Red Devils, who have struggled in the absence of Paul Pogba. Saul Niguez would also be a big upgrade on Maroune Fellaini who is said to be on his way to Turkey, having failed to reach an agreement with United over a new contract. The Belgian is in the final 12 months of his current deal at Old Trafford.

Saul has been a big member of Diego Simeone’s side for the last three years. He was instrumental in the Atleti side that beat Barcelona in the semi-final of last season’s UEFA Champions League. It would be a big blow to lose him but should United trigger his release clause, they will have no choice than to let him go.

My opinion

I personally would like to see Saul in the Premier League but I doubt Manchester United will be signing him for the reported £134 million. He is no doubt a good player but not as good as to be worth that price. If Atletico Madrid lowers their price demand for him he will be a good £50-£60 million signing for any Premier League club.

Rather than signing Saul Niguez for £134 million, United would be better served, in my opinion, to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer from Schalke 04. Having watched Leon Goretzka play, I am convinced he is as good as Saul Niguez, if not better, and the good thing is he will be available on a free transfer in the summer, should he not sign a new contract with the Bundesliga side before then. Although Liverpool are said to have agreed a deal to sign the German midfielder, the reports could be false and Manchester United could well still hijack Liverpool’s move if they really want him.